STATE HOUSE — The Animal Legal Defense Fund, has honored Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), naming her an Animal Defender.
“Animal victims of abuse cannot speak for themselves, so caring individuals in the criminal justice system must speak up for them,” said Lora Dun, director of the Criminal Justice Program for the fund. “Representative Serpa’s steadfast and effective animal protection advocacy since 2006 is an inspiration to all who strive for a more compassionate world.”
The award was given as the organization celebrated its annual National Justice for Animals Week from Feb. 25 to March 1. The week is dedicated to raising awareness about animal abuse and urging law enforcement, prosecutors and lawmakers to protect animals from abusers.
“I have long tried to advocate for those in our communities who cannot speak for themselves,” said Representative Serpa. “I am proud to be named an Animal Defender and I look forward to building upon everything we have done to advocate for our animals and make sure that they’re protected.”
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. The organization accomplishes this mission by filing high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors to assure that animal abusers are punished for their crimes, supporting tough animal protection legislation and fighting legislation harmful to animals, and providing resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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